Gaming the App Store 217
space_in_your_face writes "Want to boost the popularity of your latest iPhone app? Ask Reverb Communications! 'When it comes to winning in the App Store, this PR firm has discovered a dynamite strategy: throw ethics out the window. Reverb Communications, a PR firm that represents dozens of game publishers and developers, has managed to find astounding success on Apple's App Store for its clients. Among its various tactics? It hires a team of interns to trawl iTunes and other community forums posing as real users, and has them write positive reviews for their client's applications. ... Reverb claims that their clients have sold over $2 billion of product under their watch.'"
Rockband? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Astroturf... (Score:5, Funny)
When in doubt, lie, cheat, and steal. Strong ethics and morales will get you nowhere in this world kids.
Yes, this is true. At Petroleum Conglomerate (R), a friendly family owned company I know of, they have the strongest ethics. I think they are a real model that other companies should follow, with a strong core of values and a clear mission to improve the world through intelligent energy solutions. This is in stark contrast to the public image some would have you believe. In fact, they have teamed with Tobacco International (R) and with Weapons Systems Technological (R) to donate a percent of their proceeds to charities. I even heard that they are all having a 20% off sale until the end of the month. I know I'm going to order some oil, smokes, and a STA missile right now! You should too! (Offer may not be valid in all areas.)
Re:Who actually cares about the "good" ratings? (Score:4, Funny)
But suppose an app were absolutely perfect. Then what happens?
To quote xkcd, "Somewhere out there is a company that has actually figured out how to enlarge penises, and it's helpless to reach potential customers."
Re:Astroturf... (Score:3, Funny)
Especially when it comes to advertising to isheep. These will eat up anything that will give them better social status, even if its just for a day and they can feel better then their other isheep cohorts.
Re:Not news (Score:5, Funny)
Far better than my idea. (Score:3, Funny)
At least they're not apping the game store. I'm still paying off my legal bills.
Re:And we're giving them /. publicity why? (Score:5, Funny)
Obviously... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:$1 apps (Score:3, Funny)
If you have a game that's good and garners decent amounts of attention then you'll make millions on the iPhone. Thus the PR firm - to make sure your product gets noticed.
Full disclosure I work for a game studio that's doing iPhone games. No we don't use a PR firm as our products are good enough we don't need to.
Re:Not news (Score:1, Funny)
I read this 4 times because of the unclosed perens... man, I need to get a better parser
Re:Astroturf... (Score:3, Funny)
1-star (Score:2, Funny)
Computer did not feed my kitten.
Re:Astroturf... (Score:3, Funny)
Jesus, now I can't use a goddamn comma.
Re:1-star (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Astroturf... (Score:5, Funny)
There is a movement in the PR Industry to end astroturfing. [thenewpr.com]
Man, the NewPR is great, iddn't it? It isn't utter crap like those other PR sites.